SCHOOLS across the borough could be forced to close next week when public sector workers strike in a protest about pensions, pay and job cuts.

Trade union representatives predict a ‘momentous day’. with a march through the centre of Uxbridge on November 30.

Hillingdon Council said it was working to minimise the effects on residents.

Picket lines will form in the morning then people will link up with the main protest at noon. It is part of nationwide strikes that could be the biggest in the UK since the 1926 General Strike.

The council’s deputy chief executive, Fran Beasley, said: “We are working to ensure that services are maintained and that the impact to our residents is minimal.

“Some schools may close and parents should be informed directly if this is the case, and if they have any questions, contact the school directly.

“The latest information will be on the council website.”

Members of some 20 trade unions have voted in favour of strike action, representing about four million workers nationwide. It has been co-ordinated by Unison, Britain’s biggest public sector union.

One of the unions involved is the PCS, representing civil servants. Senior Hillingdon representative, Lydia Ndoinjeh, said: “It is going to be quite a momentous day.”

The PCS picket will take place outside Valiant House in Park Road, Uxbridge, between 7am and 11am.

Stuart Roderick, Unison’s Hillingdon branch secretary, said: “The decisive ‘yes’ vote in the ballot reflects the deep concern that our members have over government proposals for their pensions.

“Our members voted 76 per cent in favour of strike action. The government has criticised the ballot, citing only some 30 per cent voted for this action. However, the Tories were elected to government on just 23 per cent of the vote.”

Striking workers in Hillingdon have been invited to assemble outside Barclays bank in Uxbridge at noon next Wednesday before a march through the town.

Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell (Lab) has pledged to visit several pickets across the borough that morning, before joining a mass protest outside Parliament.